GI Tag for Bodo Products from Assam

The Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai granted GI tags to eight Bodo products.

Eight Bodo Products

 What is a GI Tag?

• A Geographical Indication (GI tag) is a label for products that come from a specific place and have special qualities linked to that region.

• Type of Protection: It acts as a legal right to protect the product’s quality and reputation based on its origin.

Legal Framework

• International Recognition: GI tags are accepted under global agreements like the Paris Convention and TRIPS Agreement.

Types of Products

• Wide Range: GI tags apply to various products like food items, agricultural products, wines, handicrafts, and more.
• Specific Qualities: The product must have unique qualities or characteristics tied to its region.

Benefits of a GI Tag

• Prevents Misuse: It stops others from using the label for products that don’t meet the set standards.
• Exclusive Use: Only authorised producers can use the GI tag for their products.
• Protection from Copying: Protects against imitation or fake versions of the product.
• Legal Action: Producers can take legal steps against anyone violating their GI rights.

Bodo Community

• Origin: The Boro (or Bodo) is an ethnolinguistic group from Assam, India.
• Geographical Spread: They live mainly in the Bodoland Territorial Region of Assam but are also present in other districts of Assam and Meghalaya.
• Recognition and Language

• Scheduled Tribe Status: Listed as “Boro” and “Borokachari” in The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950.
• Boro Language: A Boro-Garo language of the Tibeto-Burman family, recognized as one of India’s 22 Scheduled languages.
• Bilingualism: Most Boros speak Assamese as a second language.

• Historical Background

• Prehistoric Settlers: The Boro and other Bodo-Kachari groups migrated over 3,000 years ago.
• Occupation: Primarily settled farmers with traditional irrigation systems called “dong.”

• Special Status

• Plains Tribe: Recognized under the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
• Autonomous Region: They have special powers in the Bodoland Territorial Region.

Leopard population in Odisha’s forests jumps by 22% to 696 in two years

 The All Odisha Leopard Estimation 2024, released recently, estimates the State’s leopard population to range between 668 and 724, with a median count of 696.

All Odisha Leopard Estimation 2024

• Key Highlights: 
• Leopard Population Increase: Odisha’s leopard population has risen by 22% between 2022 and 2024, from 568 to 696 leopards.
• 2024 Leopard Estimation: The All Odisha Leopard Estimation 2024 reported a range of 668 to 724 leopards, with a median of 696.
• Comparison to Previous Census: In 2018, NTCA estimated the population at 760 leopards; however, it dropped to 568 by 2022.
• Statewide Monitoring: The estimation was conducted across 47 forest divisions using both field surveys and camera traps.
• Melanistic Leopards: Rare melanistic leopards (black panthers) were recorded in Odisha.
• Melanism is a common trait in leopards, causing their entire skin and spots to turn black. It’s caused by a recessive mutation in the ASIP (agouti signalling protein) gene.

Estimation Techniques:

• Camera Traps: Leopards were identified using camera traps, focusing on their unique rosette patterns. 
• This technique is widely used in national leopard population assessments.
• Field Survey: Indirect evidence, including pugmarks, scats, scrapes, and vocalisations, was used to track leopard presence.
• Important Habitats:
• Similipal Tiger Reserve: Largest leopard population in the state. This landscape is vital for leopard dispersal to nearby wildlife sanctuaries like Hadagarh and Kuldiha.
• Satkosia Landscape: Holds the second-highest leopard population in the state.
• Hirakud Wildlife Division: Including Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, it has a significant leopard population.
• Leopard Presence in Non-Protected Areas: 45% of leopards live outside protected areas in territorial forest divisions.
• Leopard Population in India: Fifth Cycle Leopard Population Estimation (2022)
• Released: In 2024 by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
• Involved Organisations: The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and Wildlife Institute of India (WII), along with State Forest Departments,
• Coverage of the survey: Leopard Population concentrated on roughly 70% of the animals’ predicted habitat and encompassed 18 states in India. 
• The estimation covered the main areas for tiger conservation—forested habitats—within 18 tiger states. 
• High Himalayan (above 2000 m) and non-forested areas were not included.
• Methodology: To estimate leopard abundance, photo-captures were combined with spatial data on prey, habitat, and anthropogenic factors using a likelihood-based spatially explicit capture mark-recapture (SECR) covariate framework.
• Population Estimate: 13,874 leopards are thought to exist in India, a stable number when compared to the 2018 estimate (12852). 
• Geographical  Trends: The population of Central India is constant or slightly increasing, although areas such as the Shivalik hills and Gangetic plains are declining. 
• The selected areas are growing at a rate of 1.08% annually overall.
• Distribution by State: With 3907 (2018: 3421) leopards, Madhya Pradesh has the highest population in the nation. It is followed by Maharashtra (2022: 1985; 2018: 1,690), Karnataka (2022: 1,879; 2018: 1,783), and Tamil Nadu (2022: 1,070; 2018: 868).
• Environment: The tiger reserves or locations with the greatest concentration of leopards are Satpura (AP), Panna (MP), and Nagarjunasagar Srisailam (AP).
• Declining Population: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and West Bengal recorded a combined 150% increase to 349 large cats.
•  Uttarakhand reported a 22% fall in big cat numbers, presumably due to poaching and man-animal conflict.

 Facts on Indian Leopard

• The Indian Leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is a leopard subspecies that is widespread throughout the Indian subcontinent.
• They are the smallest of the big cats.
• They are noted for their capacity to adapt to a range of environments.
• They are strong and agile predators capable of climbing trees and dragging their victim to safety.
• Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN Red List).
• Appendix I of CITES and Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

 MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE

The central government reconstituted the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) ahead of the monetary policy review of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on October 7-9.

Key Points About the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC):

• Establishment:
• The MPC was constituted under the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934, following amendments made in 2016.
• Its creation was part of the RBI’s transition to an inflation-targeting framework, enhancing transparency and accountability in monetary policy formulation.

            Objective:

• The primary mandate of the MPC is to maintain price stability while keeping in mind the objective of economic growth.
• It is tasked with setting the repo rate, the key policy rate, to control inflation within the prescribed target.
• Composition: The MPC consists of 6 members:
• 3 members from the RBI:
• The Governor of RBI, who acts as the Chairperson.
• The Deputy Governor in charge of monetary policy.
• One officer of the RBI nominated by the central bank.
• 3 external members appointed by the Government of India. These are experts in economics or related fields, selected for a tenure of four years and are not eligible for reappointment.
• Decisions are made by a majority vote, with each member having one vote. In case of a tie, the RBI Governor has the casting vote.

 Mandate and Inflation Targeting:

• The MPC’s mandate is to maintain inflation within the range of 4% ± 2%. This means the inflation target is set at 4%, with an upper tolerance limit of 6% and a lower limit of 2%.
• The committee usually meets bi-monthly (once every two months) to review the economy and set the policy interest rate, which influences inflation and growth. The MPC is required to meet at least four times in a year according to RBI Act 1934.

Rationale for the MPC:

• Prior to the MPC’s establishment, monetary policy decisions were made solely by the RBI Governor. The MPC institutionalizes a democratic decision-making process, bringing multiple perspectives from both within and outside the RBI.
• It helps in reducing discretionary control and fosters a more objective, rule-based approach to monetary policy.

Role in Inflation Control:

• The MPC’s primary tool to manage inflation is the repo rate—the rate at which the RBI lends to commercial banks.
• By increasing or decreasing the repo rate, the MPC influences liquidity and demand in the economy, which in turn affects inflation and economic growth.

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi released 18th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme on 5th October 2024 in Washim, Maharashtra.

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), launched on February 2, 2019, has become a transformative force for India''s agricultural sector. Under this scheme, every eligible farming family receives an annual benefit of ₹6,000, distributed in three equal installments of ₹2,000 every four months.

This amount is directly transferred to the beneficiaries'' bank accounts through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism, making it one of the largest and most transparent DBT schemes globally.

Key Highlights of PM-KISAN:

1. Massive Outreach and Digital Integration: PM-KISAN is a flagship initiative leveraging India''s digital infrastructure. Through a seamless process of enrollment, authentication, and disbursement, the scheme reaches millions of farmers, eliminating intermediaries and ensuring that support goes directly to those who need it. This has been a game-changer in terms of accountability and efficiency, significantly reducing the scope for corruption and delays.
2. Financial Assistance at Critical Intervals: The installments of ₹2,000 are structured to provide farmers with timely financial support every four months, aligning with the crop cycle. This enables farmers to make crucial investments, such as buying seeds, fertilizers, and maintaining crop health, at key junctures in the farming season, helping optimize yields.
3. Relief from Moneylenders: PM-KISAN has empowered farmers by reducing their dependence on traditional moneylenders who often charged exorbitant interest rates. The timely financial aid helps farmers avoid the debt trap, fostering more sustainable and self-reliant farming practices.

4.    Inclusive and Equitable Support: The scheme is designed to include small and marginal farmers, a group often left out of traditional financial support mechanisms. By ensuring that even the most vulnerable farmers receive this assistance, PM-KISAN plays a crucial role in narrowing the income disparity between different farmer categories, contributing to inclusive growth in the agriculture sector.

Key Technological Highlights of PM-KISAN:

1. Integration with Multiple Digital Platforms: The PM-KISAN portal has been seamlessly integrated with key national platforms such as:
• UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) for Aadhaar authentication,
• PFMS (Public Financial Management System) for financial transfers,
• NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) for secure payments,
• Income Tax Department for income verification.

These integrations ensure that all processes related to the scheme are secure, efficient and transparent, providing real-time benefits directly to farmers’ bank accounts.

1. Easy Access and Grievance Redressal: Farmers can now register grievances or seek assistance directly through the PM-KISAN portal. For a more personalized experience, they can also use the 24x7 helpline to address their issues promptly.
2. Kisan e-Mitra (AI-Powered Chatbot): A significant innovation under the scheme is the Kisan e-Mitra, a voice-based AI chatbot. This platform allows farmers to raise queries and get real-time solutions in their native language. Currently, it supports 11 languages, including Hindi, English, Odia, Tamil, Bangla, Malayalam, Gujarati, Punjabi, Kannada, Telugu, and Marathi, ensuring inclusivity across India’s diverse linguistic landscape.
3. Doorstep Services with Common Service Centres and IPPB: To make the scheme even more accessible, over 5 lakh Common Service Centres (CSCs) across the country have been onboarded. These CSCs bring the scheme’s services directly to farmers’ doorsteps, making it easy for them to register, update their details, or seek assistance.

Additionally, the integration of the Indian Post Payments Bank (IPPB) with the PM-KISAN scheme facilitates the opening of Aadhaar-linked bank accounts for beneficiaries. This service ensures that farmers, even in the remotest areas, can access banking services without hassle.

1. Introduction of Agri Stack: The Government of India is now introducing Agri Stack, a technological framework designed to provide comprehensive services to farmers. Through Agri Stack, every farmer will receive a unique Farmer ID, linked to their Aadhaar. This Farmer ID will be connected with land and crop information, ensuring more personalized and proactive governance. Agri Stack will not only enhance the delivery of PM-KISAN but will also open doors for farmers to access various other government schemes and services. This digitized system is expected to ensure 100% coverage and saturation of farmers, offering them a one-stop solution for multiple farming-related services.

With these technological interventions, PM-KISAN has truly evolved into a model of efficiency, empowering farmers and driving India’s agricultural sector towards sustainability and inclusivity. The scheme’s modernization marks a significant shift towards smart, digitally-enabled farming practices for the future.

NATIONAL STATISTICAL COMMISSION (NSC)

Recently, Former Chief Statistician Pronab Sen remarked that National Statistical Commission (NSC) is reasserting its authority and this could lead to a process of depoliticising data.

National Statistical Commission (NSC) – Key Points:

• Establishment:
• The NSC was established in 2006 on the recommendation of the Rangarajan Commission (2001), which identified the need for reforms in the Indian statistical system. The intention was to improve the reliability, credibility, and timeliness of statistics in India for better policy-making.
• It is not yet provided with statutory status.
• Objective:
• The NSC was set up to reduce the undue influence of the government on data generation and ensure the production of objective and unbiased statistics.
• It works to set standards and promote transparency in the collection and dissemination of official statistics.
• Composition: The NSC consists of –
• The Commission consists of a part-time Chairman (with the status of a Minister of State) and four part-time Members (with the status of a Secretary to the Government of India) and an Ex officio member.
• Functions:
• Policy Formulation: The NSC advises the government on statistical policies, methodologies, and priorities in data collection.
• Coordination: It promotes coordination between Central and State agencies to ensure standardization in statistical procedures and quality.
• Monitoring: The NSC reviews the performance of statistical agencies, ensuring data quality and identifying areas for improvement.
• Capacity Building: The commission also focuses on strengthening human resources in the statistical domain through training and research.
• Importance:
• The NSC plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and independence of statistical data, which forms the backbone for policy formulation, economic planning, and evaluation of programs.
• It also addresses concerns about the credibility of data, especially with respect to GDP growth, unemployment, and inflation figures, which are critical for economic governance.

National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds)

The Union Cabinet has approved the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) to enhance domestic oilseed production and promote self-reliance in edible oils under the Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative.

Key Features of the Mission 

• Implementation Period: 2024-25 to 2030-31
• Total outlay: Rs 10,103 crore
• Focus on Primary and Secondary Oilseeds:
• Key Primary crops: Rapeseed-Mustard, Groundnut, Soybean, Sunflower, and Sesamum
• Secondary sources: Cottonseed, Rice Bran, and Tree Borne Oils (TBO).
• Production Targets:
• Increase primary oilseed production from 39 million tonnes (2022-23) to 69.7 million tonnes by 2030-31
• Together with NMEO-OP (Oil Palm), the aim is to increase domestic edible oil production to 25.45 million tonnes by 2030-31.
• Strategies to Increase Oilseed Production:
• Adoption of high-yielding, high oil content seed varieties
• Expansion into rice fallow areas and promotion of intercropping .
• Formation of over 600 Value Chain Clusters across 347 districts, covering over 10 lakh hectares annually.
• Creation of 65 seed hubs and 50 storage units to improve seed infrastructure.
• ‘SATHI’ (‘Seed Authentication, Traceability & Holistic Inventory) Portal: Introduction of a 5-year rolling seed plan through the Portal, to enable states to form advance tie-ups with seed-producing agencies like cooperatives, FPOs, and seed corporations.

Government Measures to Promote Self-Sufficiency in Edible Oils:

• NMEO-Oil Palm: Launched in 2021 with a Rs 11,040 crore outlay to boost domestic oil palm cultivation.
• PM-AASHA (Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan): Provides MSP to oilseed farmers through price support and deficiency payment.
• Import Duty: A 20% duty on edible oils protects domestic producers and encourages local cultivation.

International Energy Efficiency Hub

The Union Cabinet  approved India joining the International Energy Efficiency Hub.

• BEE’s Role: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will implement India’s participation and align it with national goals.

 International Energy Efficiency Hub

• Established in 2020: The Hub was created as a successor to the International Partnership for Energy Efficiency Cooperation (IPEEC), where India was a member.
• Member Countries: Sixteen countries, including the U.S., China, and Germany, are already members as of July 2024.
• Objectives of the Energy Efficiency Hub
• Foster Collaboration: Promote cooperation to improve global energy efficiency.
• Facilitate Knowledge Sharing: Encourage sharing of best practices among countries, organizations, and the private sector.
• Increase Visibility: Raise awareness of energy efficiency issues worldwide.

  Impact of India Joining Hub

o   Access to Resources: India will gain access to global expertise and best practices in energy efficiency.

o   Sustainable Development: Joining the Hub enhances India’s efforts towards a low-carbon economy and energy security.

o   Global Contributions: India will collaborate with other nations to promote energy-efficient technologies and tackle climate change. 

SPRP for dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviruses

Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan (SPRP)

• The SPRP aims to reduce the impact of dengue and other Aedes-borne diseases like Zika and chikungunya.
• It promotes a coordinated global response to these health threats.
• Key Objectives
• Decrease disease burden, suffering, and deaths from Aedes-borne arboviruses.
• Foster collaboration across various sectors to improve disease management.
• The SPRP aligns with the Global Vector Control Response 2017–2030 and the Global Arbovirus Initiative launched in 2022.
• Implementation Timeline
• The plan will be implemented over one year, concluding in September 2025.
• It requires funding of US$ 55 million to support health preparedness efforts.

 Five Key Components of SPRP

o   Emergency Coordination: Establish leadership and coordination for outbreak responses.

o   Collaborative Surveillance: Strengthen tools for early detection and control of outbreaks.

o   Community Protection: Engage local communities in prevention and response efforts.

o   Safe and Scalable Care: Provide effective clinical management and ensure healthcare access.

o   Access to Countermeasures: Support research for improved treatments and effective vaccines.

India, U.S. Sign Pact on Critical Minerals

 India’s Trade Minister and US Commerce Secretary signed an Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance cooperation on the critical minerals supply chain in the 6th commercial dialogue held in Washington.

• This agreement focuses on minerals like lithium and cobalt essential for electric vehicles and clean energy.
• Key Objectives:
• Strengthening supply chains for critical minerals in both countries.
• Building resilience in the critical minerals sector through cooperation.
• Focus Areas: The MOU aims to identify equipment, services, policies, and best practices for critical minerals exploration, extraction, processing, refining, recycling, and recovery.

Critical Minerals

• Definition: These are the minerals which are essential for economic development and national security but the scarcity and limitation of its geographical availability leading to supply chain vulnerability and disruption constitute to its criticality.
• Major Critical Minerals: The Report of the Committee on Identification of Critical Minerals constituted by Ministry of Mines has identified 30 critical minerals,
• Antimony, Beryllium, Bismuth, Cobalt, Copper, Gallium, Germanium, Graphite, Hafnium, Indium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Niobium, Nickel, PGE, Phosphorous, Potash, REE, Rhenium, Silicon, Strontium, Tantalum, Tellurium, Tin, Titanium, Tungsten, Vanadium, Zirconium, Selenium and Cadmium.
• Top Producers: According to the International Energy Agency, the major producers of critical minerals are China, Congo, Chile, Indonesia, South Africa, and Australia. China has global dominance in terms of processing.

• Usage: 
• Advanced Electronics: They are critical for making semiconductors and high-end electronics manufacturing.
• Clean Energy Technology: These minerals are an essential components in many clean energy technologies, from wind turbines and solar panels to electric vehicles.
• Transport and Communications: They are also used in manufacturing fighter jets, drones, and radio sets, Aircrafts and mainly power the transition to Electric Vehicles
• Diverse Sectors: To manufacture advanced technologies in diverse sectors such as mobile phones, tablets, electric vehicles, solar panels, wind turbines, fibre optic cables, and defence and medical applications.
• Battery and Storage Technology: These minerals are critical to develop the storage technology in terms of advancements in battery technology like Lithium-Ion.

Significance of Critical Minerals

• Economic Development: Essential for industries like electronics, telecommunications, defence, and green technologies.
• Critical for solar panels, batteries, and electric vehicles
• Can boost jobs, income, and innovation.

o   National Security: Vital for defence, aerospace, nuclear, and space applications.

• Ensure use of reliable, high-quality materials.

o   Environmental Sustainability: Crucial for transitioning to clean energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

• Vital for India’s goal of 450 GW renewable energy by 2030

Challenges for India

• Dependency on China: India currently relies heavily on China for critical minerals, making it vulnerable to supply chain disruptions and price fluctuations.
• Limited Domestic Resources: India has limited domestic resources of critical minerals which  makes it difficult to achieve self-sufficiency.
• Technological Limitations: India lacks the necessary technology and infrastructure for efficient extraction, processing, and refining of critical minerals.
• Investment Barriers: India faces challenges in attracting foreign investment in the critical minerals sector due to regulatory hurdles and infrastructure constraints.
• Increasing Demand: Growing demand for minerals due to renewable energy and electric vehicles.

PM E-DRIVE Scheme

The Scheme aims to accelerate EV adoption and establish essential charging infrastructure across the country, promoting cleaner and more sustainable transportation.

As part of the scheme, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) introduced e-vouchers for EV customers to avail of demand incentives.

The e-vouchers streamline the process of accessing incentives, providing a seamless experience for both consumers and manufacturers. During the event, a live demonstration showcased dealers generating e-vouchers for customers.

The major components of the scheme are as under:

·        Subsidies/Demand Incentives: ₹3,679 crore allocated for e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, e-trucks, and emerging EVs, supporting 24.79 lakh e-2Ws, 3.16 lakh e-3Ws, and 14,028 e-buses.

·        E-Voucher Introduction: Aadhaar-authenticated e-vouchers for EV buyers, generated at purchase and sent to registered mobile numbers. Signed e-voucher essential for dealer submission and OEM reimbursement.

·        E-Ambulances: ₹500 crore allocated for deployment. Standards will be set in consultation with MoHFW and MoRTH.

·        E-Buses: ₹4,391 crore for procurement of 14,028 e-buses via CESL in 9 major cities. Preference to buses replacing scrapped STU buses.

·        E-Trucks: ₹500 crore for incentivizing e-trucks, with scrapping certificates from RVSF mandatory for incentives.

·        Public Charging Stations: ₹2,000 crore outlay for installing 22,100 fast chargers (e-4Ws), 1,800 for e-buses, and 48,400 for e-2Ws/3Ws in high EV penetration cities and highways.

·        Test Agency Modernization: ₹780 crore for upgrading MHI test agencies to handle new EV technologies.

Weeds Cause ₹92,000 Crore Loss in Crop Productivity

 A study commissioned by the Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII) has found that weeds are causing a ₹92,000 crore ($11 billion) loss in crop productivity annually.

Federation of Seed Industry of India (FSII)

• FSII is a 40-member association of R&D based plant science industry, engaged in the production of high-performance quality seeds for food, feed and fibre in the country. 
• Member companies are engaged in research-based breeding applications and seed technologies, enabling farmers to adopt technology driven farming solutions to improve agricultural productivity in a sustainable manner, minimising  pre and post-harvest losses.
• It is affiliated to International associations including International Seed Federation (ISF) and The Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA).
• Vision: To Increase focus and investment in seed research undertaken by the member companies and promote their innovative products for improving farm productivity.
• Mission: Aims to contribute towards realising the vision of doubling the farmers’ Income. 

 Findings of the Research

• Losses in Crop Productivity: Weeds are responsible for approximately 25-26% yield loss in kharif crops and 18-25% in rabi crops across India, causing significant financial damage to the agricultural sector.
• Crops and Regions Covered: The study focused on seven key crops, including rice, wheat, maize, cotton, sugarcane, soybean, and mustard, across 30 districts in 11 states. The researchers gathered insights from 3,200 farmers, 300 dealers, and officials from Krishi Vigyan Kendras and the Agriculture Department.Lack of innovation in weed control: It highlights the need for new, technology-driven weed control strategies to combat this issue effectively

What are weeds?

• Weeds are unwanted and undesired plants that negatively impact human welfare by interfering with the use of land and water resources. 
• In agricultural lands, forests, aquatic systems, etc., weeds compete with desirable and beneficial plants.
• These weeds consume the nutrients given to the crops, reducing the nutrients available to the crops and impeding their growth.
• Examples of weeds: Amaranth, Bermuda grass, Bindweed, Broadleaf plantain, etc.

Benefits of Weeds

• As Food And Medicine :Leaves or roots of a number of weeds, including the dandelion and lamb’s quarter, can be utilised as food or herbal medicine.
• Many weeds have medicinal properties and are used in medicine such as Phyllanthus niruri (jaundice), Eclipta alba (Scorpion sting), Cynodon dactylon (Asthma).
• Weeds as indicators:Weeds can be used to identify good and bad soils. 
• Colonum grows in rich soils, whereas Cymbopogon grows in poor light soils and Sedges grow in poorly drained soils.
• Weeds can indicate conditions like water levels, soil compaction, and pH; 

·        Raw Materials: Weeds can be used to make paper mache, bio-gas, and consumable proteins; Fragrant oils, etc.

Classification of Weeds

• Annual Weeds:  Weeds that live only for a season or a year and complete their life cycle in that season or year are called annual weeds. 
• Eg.Boerhavia erecta
• Biennials: It completes the vegetative growth in the first season, flower and set seeds in the succeeding season and then dies.
• Eg. Alternanthera echinata
• Perennials: Perennials live for more than two years and may live almost indefinitely. They adapted to withstand adverse conditions.
• Eg. Sonchus arvensis

 Impact of weeds

• Reduces Crop Production: Weeds compete with the main crop for space, light, moisture, and soil nutrients, resulting in yield loss.
• Affects Crop Quality :They contaminate the product, lowering crop quality.’
• Act as Hosts for Diseases: They may attract many unwanted pathogens affecting the crop plants.

Recommendations for Weed Management

The report highlights various weed management practices that could reduce costs by 40-60% compared to traditional methods.

Some of the techniques of weed Management are:

• Herbicide Use: Employing herbicides for more effective and efficient weed control.
• Mechanisation: Utilising machinery for weed removal to reduce reliance on manual labour.
• Crop Rotation: Rotating crops to break weed cycles.
• Cover Cropping: Using cover crops to suppress weed growth.
• Biological Control: Introducing natural weed control mechanisms using biological agents.
• Herbicide tolerant variety: DSR and ZT wheat are innovative herbicide-tolerant varieties that offer significant benefits to farmers.
• These varieties replace traditional water-intensive practices like puddling and transplanting with chemical herbicides, reducing water consumption and labour costs.

Report on Weed Management Challenges

• The report, titled “Weed Management – Emerging Challenges & Management Strategies”, was released by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in collaboration with FSII
• It highlights that weeds are a major cause of crop losses, competing with crops for resources from the preparatory tillage stage through to the post-harvest stage.
• Cost of Weed Control: The average cost of weed control per acre varies between ₹3,700 and ₹7,900, depending on the crop and region.

Periyar Memorial in Kerala’s Alappuzha

•  The Tamil Nadu government is set to build a memorial for social reformer Periyar E.V. Ramasamy in Arookutty, Kerala, where he was imprisoned during the Vaikom Satyagraha.
•  The memorial will honour Periyar’s contribution to the social reform movement that fought against the rigid caste system

Vaikom Protest

• Non-Violent Protest in Vaikom: Vaikom, a temple town located in the princely state of Travancore, witnessed the commencement of a non-violent protest on March 30, 1924. 
• This marked the inception of the temple entry movements, which would later resonate across the nation. 
• Emphasis on Social Reforms: The satyagraha placed emphasis on social reform amidst the rising nationalist movement, introducing Gandhian protest methods to Travancore

Legacy of Vaikom Satyagraha

• Endurance Amid Adversity: The Vaikom satyagraha stood as a remarkable movement, enduring for more than 600 days despite hostile social pressures, police interventions, and the devastating flood of 1924.
• Unity Across Caste boundaries: It also witnessed unprecedented unity across caste boundaries, a pivotal factor in its sustained mobilisation.
• Reason for Success: The Temple Entry Proclamation along with the demonstration of Gandhian methods of civil disobedience as effective tools of protest, was the great success of the Vaikom satyagraha. 
• Thus, despite its shortcomings, the Vaikom satyagraha brought untouchability, unapproachability, and unseeability to the forefront of political issues in India.

Periyar EV Ramasamy

• He was an Indian social activist and politician who started the Self-Respect Movement and Dravidar Kazhagam (DK). 
• The title “Periyar,” means “Respected Elder”.
• Since 2021, the Indian state of Tamil Nadu has celebrated his birth anniversary as ‘Social Justice Day’.
• Political Beginnings: Periyar began his political career as a Congress worker in Erode in 1919.
• Vaikom Satyagraha (1924): He actively participated in the Vaikom Satyagraha with his wife and was arrested twice, earning him the title “Vaikom Veerar” (Hero of Vaikom).
• Resignation from Congress: He resigned from the Congress in 1925 when he felt that the party was only serving the interests of Brahmins. 
• Association with Justice Party: He associated himself with the Justice Party and the Self Respect Movement, which opposed the dominance of Brahmins in social life, especially the bureaucracy.

 Social and Political Reforms

• Redefined Tamil Identity: He redefined Tamil identity as egalitarian and untainted by the caste system, contrasting it with the Indian identity promoted by the Congress.
• He argued that caste was introduced to the Tamil region by Aryan Brahmins from Northern India.
• He is known as the ‘Father of the Dravidian movement’
• Self Respect Movement: The Self-Respect Movement was a significant social reform movement that originated in Tamil Nadu, South India, in 1925. 
• The movement aimed to promote social equality and eradicate the caste system, which was deeply entrenched in Indian society.
• Opposition to Hindi Imposition (1930s): Periyar opposed the imposition of Hindi by the Congress Ministry, paralleling it with the Aryanisation process and viewing it as an attack on Tamil identity and self-respect.
• Under his leadership, the Dravidian Movement evolved into a struggle against caste and an assertion of Tamil national identity
• Dravidar Kazhagam: In 1939, Ramasamy became the head of the Justice Party, and in 1944, he changed its name to Dravidar Kazhagam, advocating for an independent Dravida Nadu for Tamil, Malayalam, Telugu, and Kannada speakers.
• He based his idea of Dravida national identity on the Dravidian linguistic family.
• The party later split with one group led by C. N. Annadurai formed the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in 1949.
• Promotion of Rationalism: Periyar advocated for rational decision-making in life. He championed women’s independence, arguing they should not be confined to childbearing but should have equal employment opportunities.
• Challenge to Caste System: Periyar urged people to drop caste suffixes from their names and avoid mentioning caste. He also introduced inter-dining practices with food prepared by Dalits at public conferences in the 1930s.